Blue Grotto

The basics

For a comprehensive experience of the Blue Grotto and the surrounding area, book a half-day tour that includes a stop at the Marsaxlokk Market, or a full-day tour around Malta that might include sights such as the Hagar Qim Temples. Most visits to the Blue Grotto depart from Valletta and last anywhere between four and nine hours. If not combining a trip to the caves with other Malta attractions, it's possible to buy tickets for a 20- to 30-minute boat tour upon arrival at Wied Iz-Zurrieq, the harbor closest to the caves.

Things to know before you go

• Be sure to wear a lifejacket while on a boat, and be aware that the walk down to the boats in the harbor is steep.

• Before descending to the harbor, stop and enjoy the panoramic view that includes a large limestone arch.

• Boats to the Blue Grotto will not run if the sea is too rough.

• Scuba diving is available from Wied Iz-Zurrieq.

How to get there

The Blue Grotto is on Malta's south coast, just east of the fishing harbor of Wied Iz-Zurrieq, in the village of Qrendi. To get to Wied Iz-Zurrieq, take bus 201 from either Rabat or the airport; the ride takes about 30 minutes. Many Malta tours stop at the Blue Grotto, including a hop-on, hop-off bus.

When to get there

The best time to visit the Blue Grotto is first thing on a sunny morning, when the sea is calm and the crowds have not arrived yet. Cave views are best between sunrise and 1pm, with several caverns mirroring the phosphorescent colors of underwater flora and others reflecting deep shades of blue.

A full-day tour of Malta

The Blue Grotto is commonly visited as part of a full-day tour of Malta starting in the capital city of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture. Whether touring with a guide or solo, be sure to visit the catacombs of St. Paul and St. Agatha in Rabat and check out the walled city of Mdina, as well as the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk, with its popular market. Comino Island is a good stop for swimming and snorkeling in the blue lagoon, and the Dingli Cliffs—the highest point on the island—offer superb views.

How long does a Blue Grotto tour take?

It depends on which tour you book, but a tour of the Blue Grotto typically takes around 30 minutes to one hour. You can also book a full-day or half-day tour that includes visiting the cave alongside other Malta highlights, such as the fishing village of Marsaxlokk.

Do you need a ticket for the Blue Grotto?

No, you do not need a Blue Grotto ticket and there is no entrance fee, but if you plan to take a boat tour to visit the Blue Grotto, booking in advance is a good idea. That way, you can choose the time that best suits you and skip the worry of fully booked time slots.

What is the best time to see the Blue Grotto?

The best time to visit the Blue Grotto is during the summer (June to September) when the sea is calm, and conditions are generally more favorable for boat tours. Summer is peak season, though, so visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

What do you wear to the Blue Grotto?

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes when visiting the Blue Grotto, and bring a warm layer or light jacket to wear on the boat ride. Remember to pack sun protection, including sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat, as the Maltese sun can be intense.

What are the ways you can enter the Blue Grotto caves?

The Blue Grotto caves are only accessible by water, so the most popular way to go there is by boat tour. There is also the option of exploring the Blue Grotto caves by kayak—this allows you to explore at your own pace.

Can I swim in the Blue Grotto?

Yes, you can swim around the Blue Grotto. However, most boat tours do not allow time for swimming or snorkeling. If you wish to swim at the Blue Grotto, you would typically need to go there on a private boat. However, swimming in Wied iz-Żurrieq, where boat tours depart, is a good alternative.

Ways to explore

Travelers can see the Blue Grotto independently or on guided tours from Valletta and other island locations. If you’re exploring on your own, visit the panoramic viewpoint before boarding a cave boat trip at Wied. Tickets are available from the harborside with no advance booking needed, though there may be lines in peak season.

Alternatively, head there on one of the organized Malta tours that visit the caves as part of a wider itinerary. Options include half- and full-day excursions that add on additional sights like Marsaxlokk, Mdina, and others. All either incorporate a cave boat trip or allow time for an optional outing at your expense.

Accessibility

While reported as wheelchair accessible, the paths to and from the Blue Grotto viewpoint may be challenging to navigate. Though cave boat trips are inaccessible, it’s possible for people in wheelchairs to get around Wied’s harborside.

Age limits

Cave boat trips are open to all, but little ones will need close supervision in choppier seas, and at the low cave entrances when boat passengers must duck down temporarily.

What to pack

Bottled water, camera, cash for tipping boat operators

What to wear

Boat trips can be slippery and breezy, so sturdy shoes and light jackets/sweaters are sensible.

Not allowed

Large bags on boats, swimming or snorkeling inside caves during boat excursions

Amenities

Food/drink options, restrooms, Wi-Fi available at some cafés and restaurants

Address 

The Blue Grotto lies just east of Wied iz-Zurrieq, about a 30-minute drive southwest of Valletta. It’s accessible via car, cab, and public buses, as well as guided tours with round-trip transportation.

Driving

From Valletta, head southwest via Route 6 before continuing onto Triq Aldo Moro/Route 1, Triq Il-Belt Valletta, and Blue Grotto Avenue to Wied. The viewpoint parking bay is easy to spot as you approach the harbor.

Public transportation

Frequent #74 buses connect Valletta to the viewpoint, which is a roughly 5-minute stroll away from Wied’s boats. Regular buses also depart from other towns to Malta Airport, where you can catch the #201 bus to the viewpoint and Wied.

Best times to visit

Aim to visit the viewpoint in the early morning when the sun’s low, to see the most vivid blue hues. Mornings also promise calmer seas and less crowded boat trips.

Best days to visit

The viewpoint and boat trips tend to be busier on the weekends and during public/school holidays—especially in the summer—so for a quieter experience, visit on a weekday.

Best months to visit

June to September, the summer sun heightens the brilliance of the caves’ waters, but also draws bigger crowds and longer boat lines. Spring and fall are more relaxed, though the seas’ color may be less radiant.

Special events

If you’re visiting at an off-peak time for the Blue Grotto (which doesn’t have special events), consider experiencing a Malta-wide happening, such as New Year’s or the Rolex Middle Sea Race—a world-renowned yachting race that takes place every October.